A new campaign has been launched to open the first ever temple for local residents here in the city of Bath.
For many years, members of the local Hindu community have longed for such a building where they can go to worship, explore their faith, and spend time with other members of their community.
Without a temple, other venues have been used for events and festivals. Diwali, the Indian festival of light which takes place in November, was celebrated last year at Bath City Football Club. Whilst homes and back gardens have also played a role in holding religious and cultural events for Hindus in Bath.
Ashish Rajhansha, who lives in the city and a member of the B&NES Faith Forum, has been on the lookout for a suitable building for some time. He said: “The number of Hindus living in our area is growing, with an estimate of around 400 followers of our faith.
“For a long time we have travelled to the temple in Bristol, which is the only one of its kind in the region. With a growing population, and the increasing desire for diverse faith activities across the country, we are keen for our home city to have its own Hindu temple.
“We have been very grateful for the interest and support we have received at our events in the past, and now want to provide a chance for even more people to find out about Hindu culture and belief.”
And now, thanks to the support of one local councillor, this year could be the year Bath opens its first temple.
Cllr Nathan Hartley has been appointed by the Leader of the Council as the council’s spokesperson for faith groups and inter-faith dialogue. He sits as the council’s representative on the new B&NES Faith Forum, and has taken the lead in the search for a suitable building.
He said: “Faith is an integral part of British culture and tradition. The way people live their lives, and the values they follow are often shaped by religious belief.
“Bath and North East Somerset, just like the rest of the UK, is multi-faith and is home to people from a variety of backgrounds. It’s for this reason that we should do everything we can to promote religious and cultural freedom.
“Christians and Muslims have opportunities for collective worship, we now need to open this up for our Hindu friends.”
Cllr Hartley spent two years in his early 20’s with the Hare Krishna movement, and studied Hinduism at Bath Spa University as part of a Study of Religions degree. He added: “I’ve come to make some great friends in the local Hindu community, and am determined to find a building for a new temple.”
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with its roots going back 4,000 years in India. Over the last 50 years, the UK has seen huge amounts of cross-cultural interfaith dialogue which has been a benefit to anyone to takes part.
Susmita Rajhansha, along with her husband Ashish, also sits on the Faith Forum. She commented: “A temple for a Hindu is just like a church for a Christian. It provides a central focus, belonging and grounding in the community.
“The specifications for a temple are very basic. It’s a place to worship God and carry out rituals – just like in a church. Once the temple has been set up, it must remain a temple until it is no longer required to be one.”
The campaign has started with a search of all available property in Bath, but it could be sometime before the search is complete. Cllr Hartley is currently in conversation with other faith groups and B&NES Property Services.
Anyone with information or property available can contact Cllr Hartley on 07737 192 156 or email [email protected].
